Mosher, Scott - Deep Horizon


Year of Release: 2006
Label: The Ambient Mind
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 60:34:00

Scott Mosher is one of the few American artists today that can challenge European heavies like Arjen Lucassen in the arena of heavy prog rock. His new CD Deep Horizon takes him one step further into the battleground. The work is a muscular, powerful symphony brimming with self-confidence, direction and articulation.

Mosher's earlier work seemed more like a space-rock version of Rush, but after changing vocalists to Scott Oliva on this release, Mosher's sound has also evolved. My guess would be a mix of old and new Ayreon, with a bit of early nineties Eloy thrown in for good measure. It's a very European sound and his influences are deeply rooted. As well, Mosher has carefully crafted a piece of work that steers clear of current prog-rock clichés. Mosher himself describes his music as an ambitious and evocative hybrid of modern, guitar-driven metal and atmospheric progressive rock.

The title track, which opens the CD, says it all, with deep chunky riffs floating on swirling synths. "Breaking Point" leans more to a Rush sound, while "Path Of Pride" builds heavy riffs upon the ambient textures of say, Hawkwind, before erupting into a vintage Ayreon symphony.

Each song that follows blends heavy, mid-tempo riffs with soaring lead guitar; all interspersed with swirling ambient moments in a melodic blend of music that holds its own with the best of them. Even the digital drum tracks, usually a deterrent for this listener, sounds powerful, forward; not unlike the great work found on Eloy's RA release.

Something should be said about the packaging on this CD. Mosher is also a graphic artist and his CDs are packed with stunning artwork. Deep Horizon's packaging is almost worth the price alone.

Like always, Mosher provides a healthy hour's dose of great music without faltering. Previous works were amongst my favorites of the year. He does most of the work himself and releases an album every couple of years. The hard work shows. His catalogue is consistent and always sounds fresh. If you have not heard Mosher before, this is a great place to start and you can then work backwards through his catalogue. If you know his work, this is no less and no greater than previous releases. Deep Horizon is clean, precise, well-produced and perfect fodder for heavy prog enthusiasts.

While available elsewhere, you can buy directly from the artist for a mere $10, the best investment of the year IMO.


Tracklisting:
Deep Horizon (8:44) / The Breaking Point (4:43) / A Path Of Pride (6:00) / Light Years (4:54) / In Visible Darkness (5:29) / Turning Away (3:49) / Re-Engineering The Mind (8:54) / Falling Down (4:58) / Zero Hour (3:32) / The Space Between Lives (9:31)

Musicians:
Scott Mosher - guitars, keyboards, programming
Scott Oliva - vocals
Todd Corsa - special guest guitar solo on 2 songs

Discography:
Ambient Earth (1995)
Horsemeat (cass) (1995)
Virtuality (2001)
Inferno (2004)
Deep Horizon (2006)
Oceans Of Night - The Shadowheart Mirror (2009)

plus, appearances on:

Eye Of The Storm - Eye Of The Storm
F5's - Dawn Of A New Age (2000)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: May 21st 2006
Reviewer: Richard Zywotkiewicz

Artist website: www.scottmosher.com
Hits: 1818
Language: english

  

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